Penn State’s Nick Singleton Weighs NFL Draft Decision Amid Playoff Run

Penn State running back Nick Singleton faces a pivotal decision as the Nittany Lions prepare for their College Football Playoff semifinal against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. The standout junior, who has rushed for 1,357 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns this season, is weighing whether to declare for the NFL Draft or return for his senior year in 2025.

“I haven’t made a decision yet,” Singleton said on Saturday. “I’m still worried about finishing the season off the right way. We got a chance to do something that we haven’t done in a while, to compete for a national championship. So, right now, I’m just focused on that, and at the end of the season, I’ll make a decision.”

Singleton’s decision could significantly impact Penn State’s future, especially with quarterback Drew Allar already announcing his return for the 2025 season. Head coach James Franklin expressed his desire to have Singleton back but acknowledged the running back’s potential to excel at the next level. “Obviously, we’d love him back, but if he decides to come out, we’ll fight like heck to get him drafted as high as possible,” Franklin said.

The Nittany Lions’ playoff run has added complexity to Singleton’s timeline. If Penn State advances to the national championship, he will have until Jan. 24 to declare for the draft, extending beyond the traditional Jan. 15 deadline. Singleton has shared carries with fellow running back Kaytron Allen, who has also been instrumental in the team’s success with 1,026 rushing yards this season.

Franklin emphasized the importance of retaining key players like Singleton as the program builds toward future championship aspirations. “What we’ve been trying to do this week, which was harder because we had less days, but the days before we get into the game week, we’re trying to sit down and meet with as many guys as we possibly can — about their futures, about NFL decisions, about their futures at Penn State, about NIL, about all these different things,” Franklin said. “Because the most important thing that we can do is retain our current roster for the future.”